Thank you so much for the indepth analysis... You're excellent at hitting all important points. My fav KBs over the years have def. been the Kurzweil for acoustic piano and B3 sounds and the Korg SV-1 for ease of use... Again thank you so much
Hi Tony, If I may update you on my organ clone buying journey, I decided to switch my M-Solo purchase (still waiting) to XK-4. I considered XK-1c briefly but I wanted to get newer model with current sound engine and what I liked was USB to host, dumper pedal option and (both of these two have it) a pipe organ sound. I like its expandability as well! Michael
@@PianoTone I do too. I realized that I will not be ever happy if I compromise on quality of the organ. It is all your fault Tony! 😆 I will never come up with this idea without your help. Thank you 😊 Michael
The SK-1 still sounds great in certain contexts. I'm not convinced the M-Solo Leslie is "better" enough with its distortion to be worth picking over an SK-1. I've heard the Vox and Farfisa emulations on the M-Solo don't sound that great.
The SK-1 definitely still holds its own, even though its over 10 years old (that's why you still see them on stage after stage :) Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Just learning about organs, enjoyed your review and following the advantages and disadvantages of the different gear you have featured on your channel.
I think that the biggest problem (at least for me) was that M-Solo cannot work with a pedal board and the second keyboard (let’s say a 61 key MIDI keyboard that would use M-Solo’s very good sound engine and form a two manual organ plus pedalboard setup with M-Solo). Michael
can the M-Solo midi signal of a 2nd manual and bass pedals (accordion buttons) distinguish with the settings. I have searched for this info but can not find anywhere if the possibility is there. Is the M-Solo Multitimbral
Good morning, I really liked your video. I write from Italy and I apologize for my English. I really appreciated your evaluations of the Hammond M-SOLO and would like to ask your opinion. I also have a NUMA COMPACT 2X and also a NUMA ORGAN 2 and I play blues in a group of friends especially live. I was considering purchasing a HAMMOND M SOLO to take on stage and in more structured situations to combine with my NUMA ORGAN 2 as if it were a second manual. I've already tried a CRUMAR MOJO and a LEGEND SOLO but at least from the videos on TH-cam the sound of the HAMMOND M SOLO seems really nice to me. Can you give me some advice? Thanks again and congratulations on your video.
Hi there! I'm not sure if the organ sounds on the Numa Compact 2X are the same as the Numa Organ 2, but the organ sounds on the M-Solo (in my opinion) are a lot better than my Numa Compact 2X, especially the Leslie - even to my novice ears the Leslie sounds much more artifical on the Numa than the Hammond. And the overdrive is also smoother and nicer on the Hammond. The action on your Numa Organ is the Fatar TP/8O which is a fabulous action (and will be much better than the M-Solo). If you're using the M-Solo as your "main"/ upper manual you would need to be ok using the 49 synth style keys. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Thanks! Do you know if the drawbars' stepped volume increase is original? I'm not referring to the tactile feel but to the actual volume steps. I'd guess so, with all the other attention to detail, but it's less smooth than it could be.
Sorry I don’t know enough about the real B-3’s to comment on that (I’ve never even seen one in person). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Thanks so much! And I agree on the keys .. but it would add to the weight (and probably steal some sales from their $$$ ones). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone thanks already subbed. Funny thing is one of the shops that sell it in the UK musicstore dv247 are advertising it has having a waterfall keybed 😁
Hi Tony, I am coming back to your review because I started to think about learning to play organ (in addition to piano). I may get the Hammond Solo and just practice my piano playing only on acoustic pianos. Could you please tell me how you started to learn to play organ and what online course you would recommend? Thank you, Michael
Super cool! The M-Solo is an awesome choice for “adding on” organ functionality- the sounds are the best and most current from Hammond, but a lot less $ than something like SK pro or XK-4; the key action isn’t perfect but it’s totally fine especially if this isn’t your main instrument. I’m not using mine much now since I got the SK, if you’re interested in one I was planning on selling it - send me a note at pianotone.ca/lets-talk/ if you’re interested. Also if you’re looking for Hammond specific training, follow the link to Online Rock Lessons; Marine has some fantastic lessons
@@PianoTone Thank you. I have been so far overwhelmed by the complexity of learning to play Hammond organ (I have been watching a lot of videos). I will decide this week if I get a Hammond (I am leaning more towards a higher model than M Solo) or just Nord Electro 6D.
@@mfurman Yes it is a total different approach to playing; no sustain, so lots of chord inversions to keep hands as close as possible between changes (so not so abrupt), lots of palm slides, and lots of adjustments to settings while playing to change up the sounds etc. The Nord Electro does have a very similar (if not the same) keybed as the "main" Hammonds do, so it is awesome - I find the user interface on the Nord confusing (when in a store, I often get "stuck" in one sound type/mode and can't figure out how to get out lol). If you only want organ functionality I'd recommend the XK-4 (or if you want to spend less try to find an XK-1C or SK1 they're old but still awesome). I'm about ready to start working on my intro review on the XK Pro 73; for some things (key action, organ sounds, the way registrations work) it's absolutely fantastic - and the piano sounds are vastly improved over the prior models (I'm convinced the piano is a Yamaha sample probably from lesser models like the PSR E series or possibly the P-125) and the electric pianos and pads are awesome. Only bad sounds are the "others" (woodwind, brass etc are bad; I need sax for some band songs and it's terrible if I stay with this as my main band keyboard I may need to bring the E383 with me just for those extra sounds - Yamaha has always blown away the competition with those).
Interesting, Tony! Do you still use CK88 then? How is your Numa Compact 2X for piano playing (I mean action)? You seem to be moving away from piano playing. Will there be a review of your Numa Compact 2X? 😊 Thank you and Happy Easter. Michael
No I sold the CK88. I absolutely love it and think it's a fantastic instrument and amazing for gigs (used it on multiple) but it's being driven by what I play which is almost all organ, and while the organ sounds on it are fine, weighted action just doesn't work well for that. I thought about using the M-Solo with it, but the Numa has an organ friendly action as well, so for smaller gigs would offer a lightweight (15 lbs) single keyboard action. For playing piano on the Numa, I'm ok with it (takes a bit to get used to); you would hate it though :) And to be honest, if I'm not practicing band songs and just want to sit and play piano for myself to relax, I go to the DGX 670 instead. And I have one more big change coming which will be a review down the road - I have a Hammond SK Pro on order (proper waterfall action, and a Yamaha CF piano sample included with hundreds of other sounds). And it's 73 keys so may finally have the perfect single board option for the band. Stay tuned for that one. Happy Easter to you as well, thanks for all the channel support as always!
@@marcusstrymon693 That's probably a matter of opinion; the organ engine on the M-Solo is Hammond's newest, so it's pretty amazing, but the YC (my newest keyboard) is no slouch either, especially since they've updated the rotary on it. My recommendation would be get the YC if you're wanting a single board solution (great piano, EP AND organ) OR if you play enough organ you want 61 keys and proper waterfall action. If you have a main board already that you like for piano / EP etc and are just looking for the occasional hammond "add on" sounds then the M-Solo is a great super portable solution.
Yamaha Reface has 37 keys, not 32. I sold it and bought M-Solo. And question: how to connect M-Solo to another keyboard with MIDI USB to Host instead traditional 5 pin slot?
Thanks for catching that! If you want to use another keyboard that only has MIDI USB out (no 5 pin MIDI) to trigger sounds on the M-Solo, then you need an interface box like the DOREMIDI in between to convert the USB MIDI to 5 PIN. I did a review on the DOREMIDI here if you want to check it out: th-cam.com/video/tCPGI17cly8/w-d-xo.html Note that this only works in the 1 direction (using a keyboard with USB MIDI out to trigger the M-Solo, not using the M-Solo to trigger sounds on a keyboard with only USB MIDI - keyboards with only MIDI USB only work as MIDI out, not as MIDI in.) Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
While I've flirted with the M-Solo, mainly because of its price point, and have watched a ton of virtual demos, this is not the 'board for me. Can I justify the $$$ for the SK-Pro? That's the real question. FWIW, I play in an '80s cover band and already have some great patches I've developed for a Yamaha MX-61. But there's nothing like a real Hammond.
Totally agree - my Numa Compact 2X has decent organ sounds and not bad key action (and it's WAY cheaper), but . . . just not the same :) Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
This is so stupid. Why did they make this with 49 keys??? If it had 61 keys, it would sell like hotcakes, but 49 keys is just a useless paper weight. I wouldn't own one if they sent me one for free. 49 keys = unplayable.
Yeah I wish it had 61 as well, but I think it’s intended to be an add on to a piano for some basic organ solos etc not as much intended as a full on organ; if they made it 61 it would also probably cannibalize the sales of the XK-4. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Casio released the PX-S5000, 6000 & 7000 with a new key action. But the 5000 has the same (non-existent) user interface as the 1100, and while the 6000/7000 have a nice user interface they are VERY expensive. I would recommend checking out the Yamaha P-225 it is a fantastic piano: th-cam.com/video/yF7FLe1dCy4/w-d-xo.html Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Thank you so much for the indepth analysis... You're excellent at hitting all important points.
My fav KBs over the years have def. been the Kurzweil for acoustic piano and B3 sounds and the Korg SV-1 for ease of use...
Again thank you so much
Much appreciated! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone just did 🙏
Hi Tony,
If I may update you on my organ clone buying journey, I decided to switch my M-Solo purchase (still waiting) to XK-4. I considered XK-1c briefly but I wanted to get newer model with current sound engine and what I liked was USB to host, dumper pedal option and (both of these two have it) a pipe organ sound. I like its expandability as well!
Michael
Wow that's cool! Hope it arrives soon and that you like it!
@@PianoTone I do too. I realized that I will not be ever happy if I compromise on quality of the organ.
It is all your fault Tony! 😆
I will never come up with this idea without your help.
Thank you 😊
Michael
The SK-1 still sounds great in certain contexts. I'm not convinced the M-Solo Leslie is "better" enough with its distortion to be worth picking over an SK-1. I've heard the Vox and Farfisa emulations on the M-Solo don't sound that great.
The SK-1 definitely still holds its own, even though its over 10 years old (that's why you still see them on stage after stage :)
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Great demo, thanks!
Thanks so much, glad you found the review helpful! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Just learning about organs, enjoyed your review and following the advantages and disadvantages of the different gear you have featured on your channel.
Thanks so much glad you're enjoying the content! Thanks for visiting and feel free to subscribe (if you haven't already :)
Yamaha ck61 is a 61 key version of the yc reface with piano/ keyboard sounds
Yes it is (I owned one for a while it’s a great keyboard).
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I think that the biggest problem (at least for me) was that M-Solo cannot work with a pedal board and the second keyboard (let’s say a 61 key MIDI keyboard that would use M-Solo’s very good sound engine and form a two manual organ plus pedalboard setup with M-Solo).
Michael
Yeah it's really just meant to be an add-on to a digital piano to give you the great organ sounds and functionality
can the M-Solo midi signal of a 2nd manual and bass pedals (accordion buttons) distinguish with the settings. I have searched for this info but can not find anywhere if the possibility is there.
Is the M-Solo Multitimbral
very informative thanks!
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Good morning, I really liked your video. I write from Italy and I apologize for my English. I really appreciated your evaluations of the Hammond M-SOLO and would like to ask your opinion. I also have a NUMA COMPACT 2X and also a NUMA ORGAN 2 and I play blues in a group of friends especially live. I was considering purchasing a HAMMOND M SOLO to take on stage and in more structured situations to combine with my NUMA ORGAN 2 as if it were a second manual. I've already tried a CRUMAR MOJO and a LEGEND SOLO but at least from the videos on TH-cam the sound of the HAMMOND M SOLO seems really nice to me. Can you give me some advice? Thanks again and congratulations on your video.
Hi there! I'm not sure if the organ sounds on the Numa Compact 2X are the same as the Numa Organ 2, but the organ sounds on the M-Solo (in my opinion) are a lot better than my Numa Compact 2X, especially the Leslie - even to my novice ears the Leslie sounds much more artifical on the Numa than the Hammond. And the overdrive is also smoother and nicer on the Hammond. The action on your Numa Organ is the Fatar TP/8O which is a fabulous action (and will be much better than the M-Solo). If you're using the M-Solo as your "main"/ upper manual you would need to be ok using the 49 synth style keys.
Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Tony, what do you think about Viscount Legend Solo? It is sold in Canada by MIDI Works.
Michael
I've never seen one or looked into them at all actually . . .
Thanks! Do you know if the drawbars' stepped volume increase is original? I'm not referring to the tactile feel but to the actual volume steps. I'd guess so, with all the other attention to detail, but it's less smooth than it could be.
Sorry I don’t know enough about the real B-3’s to comment on that (I’ve never even seen one in person).
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Nice review! Shame about the no waterfall keys though
Thanks so much! And I agree on the keys .. but it would add to the weight (and probably steal some sales from their $$$ ones).
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone thanks already subbed. Funny thing is one of the shops that sell it in the UK musicstore dv247 are advertising it has having a waterfall keybed 😁
Hi Tony, I am coming back to your review because I started to think about learning to play organ (in addition to piano). I may get the Hammond Solo and just practice my piano playing only on acoustic pianos.
Could you please tell me how you started to learn to play organ and what online course you would recommend?
Thank you,
Michael
Super cool! The M-Solo is an awesome choice for “adding on” organ functionality- the sounds are the best and most current from Hammond, but a lot less $ than something like SK pro or XK-4; the key action isn’t perfect but it’s totally fine especially if this isn’t your main instrument.
I’m not using mine much now since I got the SK, if you’re interested in one I was planning on selling it - send me a note at pianotone.ca/lets-talk/ if you’re interested. Also if you’re looking for Hammond specific training, follow the link to Online Rock Lessons; Marine has some fantastic lessons
@@PianoTone Thank you. I have been so far overwhelmed by the complexity of learning to play Hammond organ (I have been watching a lot of videos). I will decide this week if I get a Hammond (I am leaning more towards a higher model than M Solo) or just Nord Electro 6D.
@@mfurman Yes it is a total different approach to playing; no sustain, so lots of chord inversions to keep hands as close as possible between changes (so not so abrupt), lots of palm slides, and lots of adjustments to settings while playing to change up the sounds etc.
The Nord Electro does have a very similar (if not the same) keybed as the "main" Hammonds do, so it is awesome - I find the user interface on the Nord confusing (when in a store, I often get "stuck" in one sound type/mode and can't figure out how to get out lol). If you only want organ functionality I'd recommend the XK-4 (or if you want to spend less try to find an XK-1C or SK1 they're old but still awesome).
I'm about ready to start working on my intro review on the XK Pro 73; for some things (key action, organ sounds, the way registrations work) it's absolutely fantastic - and the piano sounds are vastly improved over the prior models (I'm convinced the piano is a Yamaha sample probably from lesser models like the PSR E series or possibly the P-125) and the electric pianos and pads are awesome. Only bad sounds are the "others" (woodwind, brass etc are bad; I need sax for some band songs and it's terrible if I stay with this as my main band keyboard I may need to bring the E383 with me just for those extra sounds - Yamaha has always blown away the competition with those).
@@PianoTone Thank you, Tony. I am very much looking forward to your review!
Interesting, Tony! Do you still use CK88 then? How is your Numa Compact 2X for piano playing (I mean action)? You seem to be moving away from piano playing.
Will there be a review of your Numa Compact 2X? 😊
Thank you and Happy Easter.
Michael
No I sold the CK88. I absolutely love it and think it's a fantastic instrument and amazing for gigs (used it on multiple) but it's being driven by what I play which is almost all organ, and while the organ sounds on it are fine, weighted action just doesn't work well for that. I thought about using the M-Solo with it, but the Numa has an organ friendly action as well, so for smaller gigs would offer a lightweight (15 lbs) single keyboard action. For playing piano on the Numa, I'm ok with it (takes a bit to get used to); you would hate it though :) And to be honest, if I'm not practicing band songs and just want to sit and play piano for myself to relax, I go to the DGX 670 instead.
And I have one more big change coming which will be a review down the road - I have a Hammond SK Pro on order (proper waterfall action, and a Yamaha CF piano sample included with hundreds of other sounds). And it's 73 keys so may finally have the perfect single board option for the band. Stay tuned for that one.
Happy Easter to you as well, thanks for all the channel support as always!
@@PianoTone I am impressed with your equipment changes! Looking forward to your reviews. Thank you 😊
Can the fafisa be played without drive? On the ck88 its sooo distorted, terrible
Yes the drive is a separate control, it's not built into the samples or anything.
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone aaaah ok nice!
How does the organ compare to the yc61 in your opinion? I mean from this its only 300 burcks to a used yc
@@PianoTone i mean I also heard a demo recently from a pro and my god this organ sound kicks some serious ass
@@marcusstrymon693 That's probably a matter of opinion; the organ engine on the M-Solo is Hammond's newest, so it's pretty amazing, but the YC (my newest keyboard) is no slouch either, especially since they've updated the rotary on it. My recommendation would be get the YC if you're wanting a single board solution (great piano, EP AND organ) OR if you play enough organ you want 61 keys and proper waterfall action. If you have a main board already that you like for piano / EP etc and are just looking for the occasional hammond "add on" sounds then the M-Solo is a great super portable solution.
@@marcusstrymon693 It does!
what's missing? Just make them with 61 keys so they can be a stand alone.
Yeah a 61 key version would be awesome especially with waterfall keys.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Yamaha Reface has 37 keys, not 32. I sold it and bought M-Solo.
And question: how to connect M-Solo to another keyboard with MIDI USB to Host instead traditional 5 pin slot?
Thanks for catching that!
If you want to use another keyboard that only has MIDI USB out (no 5 pin MIDI) to trigger sounds on the M-Solo, then you need an interface box like the DOREMIDI in between to convert the USB MIDI to 5 PIN.
I did a review on the DOREMIDI here if you want to check it out: th-cam.com/video/tCPGI17cly8/w-d-xo.html
Note that this only works in the 1 direction (using a keyboard with USB MIDI out to trigger the M-Solo, not using the M-Solo to trigger sounds on a keyboard with only USB MIDI - keyboards with only MIDI USB only work as MIDI out, not as MIDI in.)
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thanks a lot. Best regards from Poland 🖐️
Not piano sound😢???
No it’s just an organ.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
While I've flirted with the M-Solo, mainly because of its price point, and have watched a ton of virtual demos, this is not the 'board for me. Can I justify the $$$ for the SK-Pro? That's the real question. FWIW, I play in an '80s cover band and already have some great patches I've developed for a Yamaha MX-61. But there's nothing like a real Hammond.
Totally agree - my Numa Compact 2X has decent organ sounds and not bad key action (and it's WAY cheaper), but . . . just not the same :)
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
This is so stupid. Why did they make this with 49 keys??? If it had 61 keys, it would sell like hotcakes, but 49 keys is just a useless paper weight. I wouldn't own one if they sent me one for free. 49 keys = unplayable.
Yeah I wish it had 61 as well, but I think it’s intended to be an add on to a piano for some basic organ solos etc not as much intended as a full on organ; if they made it 61 it would also probably cannibalize the sales of the XK-4.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
for the Casio PX-S1100, have you found a new product thats very similar to that but with updated UI? thx!
Casio released the PX-S5000, 6000 & 7000 with a new key action. But the 5000 has the same (non-existent) user interface as the 1100, and while the 6000/7000 have a nice user interface they are VERY expensive. I would recommend checking out the Yamaha P-225 it is a fantastic piano: th-cam.com/video/yF7FLe1dCy4/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone tyvm. I have subscribed :)